Portable combination table and tourist case



May 10, 1938.

R. L. HESTES PORTABLE COMBINATION TABLE AND TOURIST CASE s sheets-sneak Filed Sept. 28, 1957 May 10, 1938. R. HESTES PORTABLE COMBINATION TABLE AND TOURIST CASE Filed Sept. 28, 1937 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 May 10, 1938.

R.L.OHESTES PORTABLE COMBINATION TABLE'AND TOURIST CASE Filed Sept. 28, 1937 Wail.

3 Sheets-Sheet 3 amen 1M WWO Patented May 10, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PORTABLE COMBINATION TABLE AND TOURIST CASE Robert L. Hestes, Pyote, Tex. Application September 28, 1937, Serial No. 166,209

5 Claims.

merchandise and, when extended providing a table upon which the be arranged.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a foldable and extendible structure providing, when folded a portable case or container for the reception of various articles of food to constitute a luncheon and, when extended providing a table upon which the luncheon may be arranged.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth a foldable and extendible structure providing, when folded a portable case for the storage of articles of merchandise to be subsequently displayed and sold by a salesman and, when extended providing a flat supported table top upon which the articles, to be sold are arranged on and displayed.

Further objects of the invention are to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a convertible structure for the purpose referred to which is simple in its construction and arrangement, strong, durable, compact when. folded, expeditiously extended and folded when required, thoroughly efficient in its use, readily set up, and comparatively inexpensive to manufacture.

To the above ends essentially and to others which may hereinafter appear, the invention consists of the novel construction, combination and arrangement of parts as will be more specifically described and as illustrated in. the accompanying drawings wherein is shown an embodiment of the invention, but it is to be understood that changes, variations and modifications may be resorted to which wall within the scope of the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the structure when folded,

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the structure when extended,

Figure 3 is an inverted plan view of the structure when folded and further illustrating the contents of the case may bracing elementfor the hinged sections of the table top in active position in dotted lines,

Figure 4 is an end elevation, broken away of the structure when partly extended,

Figure 5 is a side elevation, broken away of the 5 structure when partly extended,

Figure 6 is'a sectionon line 6-6 Figure 4,

' Figure 7 is a section on line l-'l Figure 1,

Figure 8 is a section on line 8+8 Figure 5,

Figure 9'is a section on line 99 Figure 4, 1

Figure 10 is a top plan view of the parts shown in Figure 9,

Figure 11 is a section on line lI-|l Figure 1, Figure 12 is a sectionon line l2l2 Figure and 15 Figure 13 is a; section on line l3--l3 Figure l with the side members omitted.

The structure generally indicated at M includes a rectangular member I5 which functions as the bottom of the case whenthe structure is folded and as the stationary central section of a table top when the structure is extended, a rectangular member [6 of the same length as and of greater width than the member l5, and which functions as one side of atable top when the structure is folded and as one of the hinged sections of the table top when the structure is extended, a memher I! corresponding in size to that of member l6 and which functions as the other side of the case when the structure is folded and as the other hinged section of the table top when the structure is extended, a rectangular member l8 corresponding in length to the Width of the member H5 or I! and corresponding in width to the member [5 and which functions as one end of the case when the structure is folded andalso acts when the structure is extended as a filler for one of the table tops supporting legs to be referred to, a rectangular member I 9 corresponding in size to member l8 and which functions as the other end of the case when the structure is folded and also acts when the structure is extended as a filler for the other table tops supporting leg, to be referred to, and a pair of supporting legs 29, 2| for the table top when the structure is extended and which also functions as a means for maintaining the sides and ends of the case in abutting relation when the structure is in a folded position.

The members l5 to 2| both inclusive, are constructedof any suitable material of the desired rigidity and thickness. The member 15 is formed at its sides with reinforcements 22, 23 which are so formed to overlap the side edges of such members. The reinforcements are fixedly secured to the member l5 by the holdfast devices and are oppositely disposed and each of which is of U- shaped contour in transverse cross section. The reinforcements project laterally with respect to the side edges of the member l5 and spaced portions of the bend of each of said reinforcements are cut away to form what may be termed barrels and to provide a hinge member. The barrels and the cut-out portions of the reinforcements 22, 23 are indicated at 25, 26 respectively. The cutouts and barrels may be of any suitable length. The member l5 at its ends is provided with oppositely disposed reinforcements 21, 28 which are of the same form and material but of less length than the reinforcements 22, 23. The end reinforcements 21, 28 are overlapped by the ends of the reinforcements 22, 23. The reinforcements 21, 28 are anchored to the member |5 by the holdfast means 29. The cut-outs and barrels of the reinforcements 21, 28 are indicated at 30, 3| respectively. The reinforcements 21, 8 p j laterally with respect to the end edges of the member l5 and constitute hinge members.

The members l6 and I1 have their end edges overlapped by metallic reinforcements 32 an chored in position by the holdfast means 33. The inner side of the member I6 is overlapped by a metallic reinforcement 34 of the same form and arrangement as the reinforcement 22 with this exception that the cut-outs and barrels of the reinforcement 34 are alternately disposed with respect to the cut-outs and barrels of the reinforcement 22. The reinforcement 34 is anchored to member 3 by the holdfast means 35 and constitutes a hinge member. The barrels and cutouts of reinforcement 34 are indicated at 36, 31 respectively. The barrels 31 extend into the cutouts of the reinforcements 22 and the barrels of the latter extend into the cut-outs of the reinforcement 34. The inner side of the member I1 is overlapped by metallic reinforcement 38 of the same form and arrangement as the reinforcement 23 with this exception that the cut-outs and barrels of the reinforcement 38 are alternately disposed with respect to the cut-outs andbarrels of the reinforcement 23. The reinforcement 36 is anchored to the member IT by holdfast means 39 and constitutes a hinge member. The barrels and cut-outs of reinforcement 38 are indicated at 49 and 4| respectively. The barrels 49 extend into the cut-outs of the reinforcements 23 and the barrels of the latter extend into the cut-outs of the reinforcement 38.

The reinforcements 22, 23 extend beyond the ends of the member I5 and also beyond the ends of the reinforcements 34, 3B. The barrels of the reinforcements 22, 23 are aligned respectively with the barrels of the reinforcements 34, 38. Extending through the aligned barrels of the reinforcements 22, 34 is a pintle 42 for pivotally connecting member |6 to member l5. Extending through the aligned barrels of the reinforcements- 23, 38 is a pintle 43 for connecting member H to member I5. 7

The members l8, l9 are of like form and each has each side marginal portion of its inner face mortised as at 44, 45 and each side provided with a reinforcement of angle-shape cross section. The reinforcements are indicated at 46, 41 and coact with the rabbets 44, 45 to provide pockets 48, 49 respectively. The members l8, l9 areof greater thickness than the members l6 and I1 and when the structure is folded the ends of the members l8, l9 extend in the pockets 46,41. The member l8 has secured to its inner end a laterally extended reinforcement 50 constituting a hinge member formed with barrels 5| which align with the barrels 3| of the reinforcement 28 and extending through the aligned barrels 3|, 5| is a pintle 52 which projects in opposite directions from the reinforcement 50 and pivotally connects the latter to reinforcement 28. The member l9 has secured to its inner end a laterally extending reinforcement 53 constituting a hinge member formed with barrels 54 which align with the barrels 3| of the reinforcement 21 and extending through the aligned barrels 3|, 54 is a pintle 55 .which projects in opposite directions from the reinforcement 53 and pivotally connects the latter to the reinforcement 21.

The pintles 52, 55 are positioned in outwardly extended relation with respect to the end edges of the members l6, IT.

The leg 2|] is of inverted U-shape and includes a pair of side parts 56 and a coupling or foot part 51 merging at its ends into one end of each of the side parts 56. The other end of each of the side parts 56 is apertured as at 58 for the pivotally mounting of said ends on the pintle 52 adjacent the reinforcement 50. The leg 2| is of inverted U-shape and includes a pair of side parts 59 and a coupling or foot part 60 merging at its ends into one end of each of the side parts 59. The other end of each of the side parts 56 is apertured as at 6| for the pivotally mounting of said ends on the pintle 55 adjacent to the reinforcement 53. The legs 20, 2| are formed of strap-like material of the desired width and thickness. The ends of the pintles 52, 55 are upset to retain the legs 29, 2| respectively thereon.

The side parts 56 of leg 20 are provided on their top edges between their transverse medians and their pivoted ends with keepers 62. The side parts 59 of the leg 2| are provided on their top edges, between their transverse medians and their pivoted ends with keepers 63. The side parts 55 of the leg 20, between the keepers 62 and couplingpart 51 are outset as at 64 to form transverse grooves 65 for the passage of a portion of each of the side parts 59 of the leg 2| whereby the legs 26, 2| are permanently slidably connected together. The outset parts 64 also act as retainers to prevent the side parts 59 of the leg 2| from bending outwardly relative to the side parts 55 of the leg 20 when the legs are shifted to and from table top supporting position and when in such position.

The members l8, l9 have secured to their outer faces adjacent their outer ends a pair of oppositely disposed latches 65a and have their outer faces formed centrally and lengthwise thereof with recesses 65 (Figure 11) and with resilient latching members 68, 69 respectively of strap-like form having the major portion of their length aligning with the recesses. The remaining portion of the length of the latching members, which is the inner part of these latter are anchored to the members |8, IS. The latching members 68, 69 are capable of being depressed into the recesses for the purpose of releasing those parts of the structure which they are to latch. The latching members 68, 69 intermediate their ends are formed with shoulders 19 (Figure 11) The latching members 68, 69 are employed for latching the legs 20, 2| in non-extended position when the structure is folded and with reference to Figure 1 it illustrates the structure folded with the coupling part 51 of the leg 20 seated on shoulder 10 of latching member 68 and to Figure 11 which shows the leg 2| in non-extended position, the coupling part 60 of leg 2| seated on the shoulder is of latching member 69. 1 When thestructureis folded OllGTOf the side parts of the legs.20,-2lex:

tend-transversely of members I8, l9. When *the legs are not extended they function as a means for retaining thelmembers l6, l1, l8 and [9 in case forming position.

When the structure is extended the members l8, [9 are shifted to a position between the side parts of the legs 2|, 20 respectively. When in such position, the latches 65a on member l8 engage with the keepers 63 on the side parts of leg 2! and the grooves 65 engage the side parts of leg 2!, (Figure 4) whereby the upper portions of, the legs, when the legs are extended are reinforced by the members 18, I9 which act as fillers.

The structure includes a shiftable bracing element H for the members I6, I! when the latter are in table top forming position as shown in Figure 2. The element 1| consists of a rectangular frame 12 and a disc 13 which is arranged within, centrally of and fixed to the frame 12. The element H is arranged below member I and disc 73 axially thereof is pivotally connected to member I 5, as at 14. The connection is of such form that when element H is in inactive position it may be adjusted to tightly clamp it against the bottom of member l5 against movement. When element 7! is in active position it is shifted from, the full line shown in Figure 3 to the dotted line shown in Figures 2 and 3 to below members i 6, 51. Prior to shifting element 1| to active position the connection 14 is adjusted to permit of the shift of the element to dotted line position. The element H is of less width and length than the width and length of member IS.

The structure includes a closure member or top 55 for the case. The member 15 comprises a rectangular body part 16 formed with means at each end, as at 11 for overlapping the members I 8, l9 and the outer corners of the members I 6, H. The member 75 is provided with a hand-grip l8 and is releasably connected to the members Hi, H. For releasably connecting the member 75 to the members l6, l7 these latter are provided on their outer faces with spaced latches 19 which coact with spaced keepers B0 anchored to the side edges of body part 16.

What I claim is: 1. In a convertible suit case and sectional table structure, a first member providing the bottom of the suit case and central section for the table top, a pair of foldable and extendible members hinged to the sides of the first member and providing when folded the sides of the suit case and when extended hinged outer sections for completing the table top, a second pair of foldable and extendible members hinged to the ends of the first member and providing when folded the ends of the suit case, a pair of oppositely disposed foldable and extendible legs, one pivotally connected at one end with one end of the first member and the other pivotally connected at one end with the other end of the first member, said legs when extended providing supports for the table top and when folded encompassing said pairs of members for retaining these latter in folded relation, and the said second pair of members when extended providing fillers for a portion of the length of said legs.

2. In a convertible suit case and a sectional table structure, a first member providing the bottom of the suit case and the central section of-the table'top, ytwo pairsof foldable and extendible'menibers hinged to and coacting with the first member to provide, when foldedthe body of the suitcase, one of the pairs of members, when extended, coacting with the first member to complete: thetable toppaspair of oppositely disposed foldableyand extendible; legs, one pivotally connectedat oneend with onejendof the first member and the father pivotally connected at oneend with the other end of the first member, said legs when extended providing supports for the table top and when folded encompassing the said pairs of members for retaining these latter in suit case body forming position.

3. In a convertible suit case and sectional table structure, a first member providing the bottom of the suit case and central section for the table top, a pair of foldable and extendible members hinged to the sides of the first member and providing when folded the sides of the suit case and-when extended hinged outer sections for completing the table top, a second pair of foldable and extendible members hinged to the ends of the first member and provided when folded the ends of the suit case, a pair of oppositely disposed foldable and extendible legs, one pivotally connected at one end with one end of the first member and the other pivotally connected at one end with the other end of the first member, said legs when extended providing supports for the table top and when folded encompassing said pairs of members for retaining these latter in folded relation, the said second pair of members when extended providing fillers for a portion of the length of said legs, an adjustable bracing element carried by the first member for the first pair of members when these latter are in position to complete the table top, and means for latching said legs and second pair of members together when the legs are in encompassing relation with respect to said pairs of members.

4. In a convertible suit case and a sectional table structure, a first member providing the bottom of the suit case and the central section of the table top, two pairs of foldable and extendible members hinged to and coacting with the first member to provide when folded the body of the suit case, one of the pairs of members, when extended, coacting with the first member to complete the table top, a pair of oppositely disposed foldable and extendible legs, one pivotally connected at one end with one end of the first member and the other pivotally connected at one end with the other end of the first member, one of said legs being formed with means intermediate its ends for slidably connecting the legs together, said legs when extended providing supports for the table top and when folded encompassing the said pairs of members for retaining these latter in suit case body forming position, a closure for the suit case body, the first pair of members and said closure having coacting means for latching them together, and the second pair of members being formed with means for latching the other ends of the legs thereto for maintaining the legs in encompassing relation with respect to the pairs of members. 5. In a convertible suit case and a sectional table structure, a first member providing the bottom of the suit case and the central section of the table top, two pairs of foldable and extendible members hinged to and coacting with the first member to provide, when folded the body of the suit case, one of the pairs of members, when extended coacting with the first member to complete the table top, a pair of oppositely disposed foldable and extendible legs, one pivotally connected at one end with one end of the first member and the other pivotally connected at one end with the other end of the first member, said legs when extended providing supports for the table top and when folded encompassing the said pairs of members for retaining these latter in suit case body forming position, an adjustable element pivotally suspended from the first member for positioning under the first pair of members for bracing them when they are positioned to complete the table top in connection with the first member, and means carried by one of the pairs of members for latching thereto the legs when folded.

ROBERT L. HESTES. 

